Concept

The idea behind this build was to make a quad with the electronics of an older frame that had become broken beyond repair. Furthermore, the original goal was to use 15mm standoffs for an ultra-low profile build, but in the end this was not feasible as the FPV camera protruded too far above the top plate.

Additional Components

• 20mm standoffs x8 instead of the stock 30mm ones that come with the Source One v0.2
• M3x20 screws x4 for mounting the FC
• M3 (steel) nuts x4 (as spacers to raise the FC up) and M3 (nylon) nuts x4
• 3mm zip ties
• Custom 3D prints: Camera mount, rear antenna mount, GoPro mount

Build Notes

• The TBS Source One v0.2 has press nuts that are neatly embedded into the surface of the carbon, and were more or less flush with the carbon surface. This motivated the placement of the ESC's on the short arm stubs on the sandwich plate rather than on the arms themselves, giving the arm a slightly leaner look. However, mounting the ESC's in this fashion cause the MOSFET's to be faced down towards the carbon fiber, so it will have to be seen if heat becomes an issue.
• The JBF4 v2 flight controller came with a very thorough manual that was easy to follow and very instructive. Note that in the photos taken, the VTX telemetry is incorrectly soldered to UART4, which also carries the ESC telemetry signal, and I later had to move the VTX telemetry to UART6.
• The 20x20 mounting holes in the rear of the frame made for great slots to run zip ties through for the VTX.
• The XT60 is run out the back of the quad instead of out the side because I prefer the symmetric look.
• The custom camera mount was made to support the FPV camera at a 30 degree angle, but honestly is a bit unnecessary. The 3D printed components that can be found online are more than sufficient.
• The lower standoffs will cause props to enter the GoPro footage, and it is necessary to either raise the GoPro up or push it forward in order to remove the props from the frame. However, pushing the GoPro forward also can cause it to enter the top of the FPV camera field of view. For props out of frame, the stock standoffs are probably better.
• AUW with GoPro and 1500mah 4S battery is 670g

Performance Notes

• The FPV camera is powered by the 9V output on the JBF4, and there are no external capacitors on the build. With the current propulsion system on a 4S LiPo, noise lines begin to appear in the video around 75% throttle, and become more apparent around maximum throttle, but the video remains very flyable.
• The ESC's have not overheated after several (freestyle) flying sessions, though they heat up with excessive use of turtle mode or when prop rotation is obstructed.
• After a collision with a wooden gate at moderate speeds, one of the motor shafts became slightly bent. In spite of this, the motors have good performance for their price.
• The Gemfan Windancer props (in contrast to the motors) are quite robust, and even after the motor-damaging crash are able to be bent back into place and continue flying with minimal noise/jello.